Ali's Justice and the Rejection of Kinship Favoritism (Nepotism)

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Assistant Professor, Research Institute of History and Sīrah of Ahl al-Bayt (AS), Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy

10.22081/csa.2025.72709.1219

Abstract

Alī (AS) is famous and known for his justice. He was not one to practice discrimination or injustice, yet he respected and helped his relatives. This article answers the question: How was Ali's justice and his lack of discrimination toward his family and relatives manifested? How was his assistance to his relatives not an instance of discrimination? An analysis of the subject using data from reliable and early historical and narrative sources, employing a descriptive and analytical method, shows that, from his perspective, all Muslims possess equal rights. While the ruler's family and relatives have the right of kinship and should be attended to, and the needs of their needy members should be met, they do not have a right to the Muslim public treasury (Bayt al-Māl) greater than anyone else. Due to his profound commitment to Islamic teachings and his belief in the Day of Judgment, Alī (AS) never committed discrimination or injustice in favor of his relatives and did not permit them to benefit from the public treasury (Bayt al-Māl) more than others. He also did not allow others to abuse his position and status for their own benefit.

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